MMA Preview – CM Punk vs Mike Jackson at UFC 225
AT A GLANCE
When is UFC 225? Sunday 9th June, 2018 – 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 225? United Center, Chicago, Illinois
What channel is UFC 225 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC 225? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT website
Are tickets still available for UFC 225? http://uk.ufc.com/event-ticket-info?utm_source=ufc&utm_medium=tab&utm_campaign=tickets
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
The long-awaited return (well, for some) of Phil Brooks aka CM Punk is upon us at UFC 225. The WWE superstar makes his return 20 months after his less than spectacular debut at UFC 203. His status granted him his debut in the UFC but he was humbled by Mickey Gall who finished him in the first round with a rear-naked choke.
Injuries and doubts over a career in MMA have kept him out until now but he has another opportunity to fight on the big stage and in front of his home town – this time against somebody with exactly the same MMA experience – one fight and one loss against Gall which just also happened to be via a rear naked choke.
Mike Jackson’s debut fight was also in the UFC back in 2016 and he was even rumoured to be CM Punk’s first opponent so this is an extremely fitting match-up. However, Jackson does have professional experience in Boxing and Kickboxing and will surely be the heavy favourite.
THE PREDICTION
It is difficult to predict how CM Punk will perform but training with Duke Roufus’ great team in Milwaukee, you know he will be as prepared as he possibly can be with an extra focus on his grappling skills. Jackson will look to show off his striking talents so it will be great to see these guys battle it out on the feet.
Although their stats are only based on one fight, they have significance as they were both against Gall and Jackson clearly put up more of a fight. So, it is going to be very interesting to see who has more fight on the night in a match-up that is appropriately more even.
Winner: Jackson via KO/TKO
Striking and grappling stats sourced via FightMetric
